One life was poured out to 43 children.

69-year-old Mdm Indranee Nadisen possessed a big heart that could be likened to that of Saint Mother Theresa's. In the span of 32 years, she cared for 43 foster children, earning her top honours as a volunteer foster parent.

Tonight, Mdm Indranee was recognised for her contributions with the Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award, the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports' (MCYS) highest accolade to volunteers for their contribution to the less fortunate in Singapore.

Receiving the same award is 83-year-old Mrs Ann Wee who has served as an adviser to the Juvenile Court since 1970 and provided invaluable expert opinion where cases for delinquent youths are discussed before sentencing. Even though she is in her 80s, Mrs Wee continues to read and prepare case notes on these youths each week before attending Court after close to 40 years of service.

The awards were presented by MCYS Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan in which he highlighted the importance of such voluntary acts.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan paid tribute to the award winners in his speech and said: “Volunteers are invaluable assets to the work that MCYS does.

"They are our eyes and ears on the ground, and play an extremely crucial role to help the Ministry reach out to those who are genuinely in need, to those who might have otherwise fallen through the cracks."

84 other volunteers from all walks of lives were also honoured along with Mdm Indranee and Mrs Wee this evening.

Mdm Indranee, who retired in July 2008 because of ailing shoulder and knee problems, shared that she too was adopted. It was the love of her adoptive mother towards her children that had rubbed off on her.